ClTROFORTUNELLA X MICROCARPUS Rutaceae CALAMONDIN PLANT GUIDE

22:00 Citrus plants make attractive shrubs particularly suitable for a sunroom. This cross between a tangerine and a kumquat—also known under the name of x Citrofortunella mitis—is one of the best to grow indoors, since it makes a compact tree that bears flowers and fruits while still young.  citrofortunella2bmicrocarpa2bindoor2bhouse2bplant2bpics-8156085

citrofortunella2bmicrocarpa2bindoor2bplant2bphotos2bpotted-7700431
The glossy, dark green, oval leaves are aromatic when crushed and are carried on woody branches that, unlike those of many other species of citrus, are spineless. White, star-shaped, fragrant flowers are borne mainly in summer but may appear sporadically at any time of year.  citrofortunella2bmicrocarpa-8454858 They are followed by small round fruits, carried in clusters of two or three at the tips of the branches, which tend to bend the stems down as they develop. The fruits ripen slowly, changing from deep green to orange, and measure about lV2in/4cm in diameter; they are decorative and, although very bitter, are sometimes used in jams.  x2bcltrofortunella2bmicrocarpus-4490387 Flowers and fruits are often seen on the tree at the same time, adding to its interest. citrofortunella2bmicrocarpa2bindoor2bhouse2bplant-2256616 Yellowing or mottled leaves may indicate nutrient deficiency. Apply a foliar feed containing trace elements.                                        cltrofortunella2bmicrocarpus-7364299 To ensure fruiting, if the plant is indoors, pollinate the flowers with a soft brush. Pollination is improved by standing the plant outdoors in summer.                citrofortunella2bmicrocarpa2bindoor2bplant2bpicture-4724160 Scale insects can be a problem. Check the undersides of the leaves, pushing off any scales with a fingernail. Attack by red spider mites can be combated by misting to increase humidity and by standing the pot on moist gravel. citrofortunella2bmicrocarpa2bindoor2bplant2bpotted2bimage-2063804 FACT FILE
ORIGIN Hybrid.
HEIGHT To 4ft/1.2m.
POTTING MIX Soil-based.
REPOTTING Move the plant into a pot one size larger every spring until the maximum convenient size is reached; thereafter top-dress annually.        citrofortunella2bmicrocarpa2bindoor2bplant-2589584 PROPAGATION Difficult; by semiripe cuttings in early summer.
KEEPING PLANTS Stand outdoors in a sheltered place in summer; bring under cover in late fall.

ClTROFORTUNELLA X MICROCARPUS Rutaceae CALAMONDIN PLANT CARE                   x2bcltrofortunella2bmicrocarpus2bplant-8137808

  • Bright light with several hours of direct sun daily. Minimum winter temperature of 50°F/10°C. 
  • Allow the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings. 
  • Mist the foliage frequently and stand the pot on a tray of moist gravel to increase humidity. 
  • Give a high-potash liquid feed every 10-14 days in the growing season.

           citrofortunella2bmicrocarpa2bindoor2bplant2bimage-4627042

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